Chapter 85 – 3 Days of Happiness (5)
– Me: ▶∥— [4:15] – Video file
– Me: Is this the correct way to do it?
– Champi? Teacher: Yes, you have talent.
– Me: Thank you, Champi Teacher!
– Champi? Teacher: It’s not Champi, it’s Champy. Champy x, Champy o
– Champi? Teacher: Didn’t I tell you to change your nickname properly? It’s not Champi, it’s Champy. Champy.
– Me: I’m sorry ㅠㅠ
A grand room befitting the title of aristocracy.
In the darkness with all the lights turned off, Sansuyu chatted by tapping on the keyboard with only her index finger.
– Champy? Teacher: Hey, but… why do you engage in online communities?
– Me: What do you mean?
– Champy? Teacher: Why would someone from a good family with talent do this? It’s not like you’ve been involved in this since you were a mess like me.
– Me: My friend doesn’t hang out with me.
– Me: Sorry, typo.
– Me: Because of that.
A brief pause. An embarrassed message from the teacher appears.
-Champie? Master: Ah… don’t those nobles host parties? You should make connections there.
-Me: They’re not common these days. That’s why I’m watching Tsuri Inside to follow Miho’s advice and study social life.
-Champie? Master: It’s not Tsuri, it’s Tree Inside.
-Champie? Master: Since becoming an S-class hunter, hearing about Miho is the saddest thing. Who is she?
-Me: It’s Jiho. She’s a secretary.
-Champie? Master: What’s with Jiho? Fire her if necessary.
Genuine advice stemming from years of experience within the community.
How did these two end up in this mentor-student relationship?
Like other users, their relationship began when Champie, who always resided in the community, helped Cornus, who was ill-suited for the swordsmanship community.
-Champie? Master: Stop wasting time on that.
Of course, Champie’s goal was to make Cornus leave the community.
Cornus was an unsuitable presence in this madhouse, where people would shout for sex instead of swordsmanship, where debauchery reigned supreme.
However, innocent Suyu could not properly accept even that. That’s why, on days without specific training with Si-heon, she would confine herself to her room, engaging in online communities.
– Drip, drip.
Withdrawing her hand from the chat screen, Cornus began to immerse herself in the characters displayed on the screen, turning her mouse wheel. The internet browsing was enjoyable. Sometimes there were cartoons, and other times, casual conversations of common people. Each was an unfamiliar story. Moreover, the uncensored writings provided her with a great stimulus.
– Planning to indulge myself
‘Yas? What is Yas?’
The new words that stimulated her brain cells brought a faint pleasure to the emotionally dulled Cornus.
– Planning to indulge myself
(Chicken photo)
Going to watch this year’s Grand Cup while eating this
Is this Yas?
– ㅇㅇ (12.34): ㅗㅜㅑ
What is Yas? Considering that chicken is called Yas, I must like Yas too.
That thought crossed her mind, but a sizzling, fresh article that appeared immediately caught her eye. Intriguing titles that draw attention in an instant. They were titles of uncertain origin, as if they had earned some form of certification.
[Dowonhyang White Peach Buttocks Close-up.jpg] – Recommended 21, Not Recommended 54
White Peach.
‘A familiar name.’
She happily moved her mouse cursor over the article, and soon the screen changed, revealing a photo within the text. One image that appeared in the provocative title…
– Dowonhyang White Peach Buttocks Close-up.jpg
[Photos that incite disgust]
-ㅇㅇ (14.23): Fucking hell
-ㅇㅇ: Why is this a featured post? These insane people are really infuriating.
└ㅇㅇ (51.233): Ah, haha, I can’t be the only one disgusted, haha.
– No: It is somewhat arousing, ㅇㅇ;
└ Abnormal Lust: ?
└ㅇㅇ: ?
└ㅇㅇ (552.23): Where do you see anything obscene?
└ㅇㅇ (32.122): I came here to curse, but I’m at a loss for words, teacher..
An indescribable picture, one that would seem strange even to her, who didn’t experience any emotions when faced with unusual stimuli.
With her eyes wide open, Sansuyu glanced behind her in surprise. Instinctively checking that no one was around, she returned to the community and composed a post.
―Why write something like that?
Author: Malangi Sansuyu
I don’t understand. Why write such a bizarre piece?
– Tilia Tree: I told you not to meddle.
Sansuyu shuddered at her mentor’s comment, which appeared as soon as she had submitted her post. However, she refused to yield to Tilia’s rebuke. Curiosity about the writer’s mindset consumed her, so Sansuyu resolved to delete the post and delay her retreat for a full five minutes.
– Ka-talk!
– Ka-talk!
Ignoring Tilia Tree’s summons, Sansuyu repeatedly refreshed the page every few seconds.
-ㅇㅇ (52.13): What’s up with the tone and language when using that specific slang?
└Shinsu: That’s just how this person usually is.
└ㅇㅇ (52.13): Are you seriously messing around with a guy like that now?
└Shinsoo: What are you talking about, you jerk? I’m just saying.
Whenever Sansuyu posted something, disputes would always arise. However, it wasn’t the response she was hoping for.
-ㅇㅇ : You don’t like that image?
In the meantime, one comment caught her eye. Sansuyu’s eyes widened at the sight of the mysterious orange icon.
└SoftlySansuyu: It’s strange.
└ㅇㅇ : Take it.
“Take? What?”
At that moment, a notification popped up on the right side of Sansuyu’s community account. Several comments from her mentor began to appear below the orange nickname.
└ChamPineTree: Hey, you crazy bastard
└ChamPineTree: A kid who doesn’t even know about the forum
└ㅇㅇ : If you don’t like it, deal with it.
-Whoa! Oooh!
The phone vibrated. Sansuyu read the email line by line, and soon moved the mouse pointer to one spot.
-ㅇㅇ : Huh? Why did the point turn blue?
Swordsmanship Gallery.
Sansuyu possessed a rare and extraordinary talent for swordsmanship, surpassing anyone else. It was the moment when the armband was proudly affixed to her shoulder.
It was a calamity brought about by Lee Si-heon’s indifference.
* * * * *
“What’s with these peaches?”
The next day.
As I opened the windows for ventilation and greeted the morning, Cheondo cast a puzzled glance at the peaches on the table.
“I bought them early in the morning.”
“Suddenly buying so many, this early? Why?”
“I felt like eating peaches.”
Perhaps I should have exercised more restraint.
It was an issue if it seemed like a problem that occurred while cleaning. Indulging in delight, the peaches ultimately became so abundant that the two of us couldn’t possibly consume them all, so we decided to come up with a vague explanation.
“…Hmm, if you wanted to eat them, you should have told me. You could have used magic.”
Unaware that Hwangdo and I had engaged in such activity, Cheondo picked up a peach from the table and firmly pressed it.
Fearing discovery, I quickly praised the peach for its delicious taste.
“It’s a Mulbok peach. You’ll see when you bite into it, but it’s quite sweet.”
“I’ll know when I see it, huh? But it feels somewhat familiar…”
“Isn’t it just your imagination?”
“Is that so?”
“Leave it be, I’ll eat it.”
He snatched the peach from Cheondo’s hand and took a large bite. As he chewed the tender fruit, sweet juice burst forth. It was so sweet that one might grow weary of it, but for now, it was still enjoyable.
‘Indeed, the peach is delicious.’
Assured that he hadn’t been caught, he placed the consumed seeds into the trash can. Cheondo wore a puzzled expression.
“Alright, well, that aside… I’ll explain the tasks you need to perform going forward, so come and sit here.”
Cheondo patted the blanket next to her and pulled me down by my arm. As I sat right beside her, she took out her cell phone from her bag and showed me a video on it.
– Oooh!
Heaven’s hand wrapped around my shoulder.
“Come closer so you can see better. More. More.”
As our shoulders touched, the image finally began to come into focus. A stadium filled with swords and magic. Athletes with unfamiliar faces. They looked young; perhaps the concept was similar to the Olympics. I tilted my head and asked her.
“What is this?”
“It’s a Forest Keeper selection competition held by the World Tree Foundation. It’s a TV program and contest that gathers first-year students from academies around the world each time.”
Forest Keeper. Is it more a title of honor than a profession? One could interpret it as someone who possesses enough talent to protect the world. Of course, earning the title of Forest Keeper doesn’t come with any responsibilities or obligations. It’s somewhat like a trophy. If one participates in the selection competition and becomes the best, they can become the 42nd Forest Keeper and receive much attention.
“After this midterm exam, the L Academy will also select the top and second-ranking students, as well as promising cadets, to compete in the selection event.”
“Is that so?”
“Probably, the selection will take place from the day the exam is over until the vacation. Lee Si-heon, you should go there.”
Must I?
That’s what I thought initially. However, upon sitting down and pondering over it, I was able to roughly grasp the intent behind Cheondo’s words.
The forest keeper selection is essentially a gathering place for young talents. If those who will shape the future era assemble there beforehand, individuals with diverse abilities can not only enhance each other’s skills but also forge friendships. The possibility of factions forming exists, but that is an issue everywhere.
“A lot of talent will gather.”
“Yes.”
“Cherry trees, ginkgo trees… Perhaps you can also meet the offspring of the families symbolizing the national prestige of the respective countries.”
Japanese cherry trees. Chinese ginkgo and plum trees.
Led by the Kukmok families, which laid the foundations for their countries, the Mok people with formidable power and talent are expected to make their presence known at the gathering.
It was evident that simply meeting talented individuals and keeping them close would undoubtedly lead to power. But was it solely about power? With talent, money would flow in, and opportunities to attract other gifted people would arise.
This was true even on Earth, where I once lived. It was a society where people clung to books in their pursuit of becoming skilled. If the logic of power was absolute in this place, what would it be like in a society where everything could be resolved with just might?
While this realm had an established system, it was a place where one’s personal strength could surpass its limits. In such an unstable world, having talented connections with power was always an absolute necessity. To forge friendships and shape the future, attending these gatherings was indispensable.
“Then, I must do my best to raise my rank.”
My current ranking was nothing short of pitiful. However, the entrance ranking would always remain as such. Current standings wouldn’t affect midterm or final evaluations. Everything would be determined by my future grades. Cheondo offered a faint smile.
“As you said, let’s make a big upset in this test.”
Our shoulders pressed together, Cheondo’s direct gaze met mine.
“Through this selection match, I’ll announce to the world whose disciple you are.”
There was no absence of unease. Since the connection with the World Trees has been severed, some of them would likely take notice of me. Of course, The World Tree of Resentment wouldn’t shy away from physical means.
“Continue with the training.”
There was a possibility they would send an assassin like last time. However, for some reason, I wasn’t very concerned. After all, Cheondo and Hwangdo, these people, would come up with a solution at any moment.
If a situation came where Cheondo couldn’t provide a solution, I would devise a method myself.
“It’s to announce the birth of the Socheonma.”
I shrugged my shoulders lightly. Cheondo, with her admirable thoughts, looked incredibly lovely. But, well, I didn’t think our relationship would progress in that direction.
Cheondo seemed unable to see reason at all.
`At least that’s a relief.`
Aren’t there too many women around lately? Lee Se-Young, the stars, and even Zodiac.
Until now, the situation didn’t feel quite real, so I didn’t show my emotions.
`I’m not sure.`
I lay down on the bed.
“Are you going to sleep again?”
“No, I’ll get up soon. I just want to lie down for now.”
After sharing a relationship with Zodiac, I felt the need to take some time to think about the opposite sex. Surprisingly, not even one person had asked me out. Am I not attractive?
If someone did appear to date, that would create its own set of problems. I would have to end the current relationships. That was only natural. Keeping relationships with the opposite sex clean is a basic courtesy in romantic relationships.
“……”
– Could I end up in a polygamous situation?
But in a most devious manner, tucked away in a corner of my heart, I would often recall the words spoken by the star.
